Women in politics have never had an easy time in the political sphere. They are always subject to likability politics and unrealistic standards that men often are not held to. In addition, Women in politics are questioned for being married, for not being married. They are questioned for having a baby and not having a baby. Basically, they are questioned for existing.
There are Women in politics have played and continue to play an important role in bringing about social change. We are sharing 5 of our favorite successful women in politics, why we like them and their work. As well as ways you can support more women entering the political sphere
Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Warren has made herself a serious contender for the democratic party. Amongst the candidates seeking presidency under the democratic party, Elizabeth Warren has proven to be a favorite so far. She has stuck to her word and has opted for a more ethical way of campaigning (i.e refusing corporate donations). She has also prioritized social causes like accessible health care, and affordable education. Furthermore, she is hoping to reduce the racial wealth gap by implementing reparations for descendants of the slave trade.
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has changed what it means to be a politician. She’s shaking up the old white men’s club by not only being a woman but a Latinx woman. She is also the youngest to serve in Congress. In addition, She has been fearlessly outspoken in favor of policies that are in the best interests of the people. These policies include “the green new deal” and raising the minimum wage. She is proof that millennials aren’t just avocado loving, talking points for disgruntled baby boomers. Instead, millennials can be people who want to make a change and are willing to dismantle the system to do so.
Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Arden is not only the youngest female prime minister of New Zealand, but she is also breaking the confines of what people expect women to be. She ran for office, pregnant and made sure to take a maternity leave as well. This goes against the rhetoric people often place on women that it’s not possible to be a leader, and a mom at the same time or that going on maternity leave somehow places you behind in the workplace. She shows that women are capable of more than they are often credited for and she is an example of what a world leader should be. She has shown that a leader should empathetic, listening to the people and implementing policies that are in the good of the people, not corporate sponsors.
Jody Wilson Reybould
At Cocktails and Ambition, we love a rebel and that’s exactly what was needed in Canada. While our current Prime Minister is good looking and wears nice socks, his policies leave a lot be desired. His policies have been surface level, pacifying and in many areas low key (but actually high key) racist. This is evident in his actions, for example, violating the rights of the Wet’suwet’en indigenous people by removing them from their land. So, when Jody spoke out about the SNC Lavalin Scandal, she received a lot of backlash from other liberals for going against the party. However, her actions highlighted Canada’s need to break away from party politics and the importance of having someone with enough integrity to stand up for what is right.
Stacey Abrams
Abrams made history as the first African American woman to be nominated by a major party to run for the position of governor. In addition, she was also the first African American woman to respond to the state of the union address. Being a woman in politics is tough, being a black woman in politics is even tougher. so, it is no surprise the heaps of criticism directed towards her. However, she handles herself with grace, doesn’t back down and proves that she knows what she is talking about. We love Stacey Abraham on this end and you definitely should too.
Supporting women in politics
If you would like to be involved in seeing more women in the political sphere or want to become more politically active and engaged, here are some organizations you can be a part of (US and Canada only)
Canada
Youth Action Now
Equal Voice
Women Who Win Toronto
Apathy is Boring
US
– Run For something
– Our Revolution
– Women’s Campaign Fund
– She Should Run
– Emily’s List